The UAE has been working towards its goal of heightened sustainability since 2010. In 2015, the UAE Green Agenda set things in stone, improving upon the development and consumption procedures for major cities across the country.
From managing waste to efficient energy usage, everything has been leading the UAE to improve its environment for the future. While the country is on the road toward this greener future, there is still a lot that needs to be done to ensure a successful change.
Using zero-waste products is the cornerstone of this change and the successful adoption of this “National Agenda.” In this article, we will take a closer look at 20 of the best zero-waste products in 2023 that you can use to ensure better resource usage and create a greener Earth on your part.
20 Best Zero-Waste Products In 2023 For sustainability[1]
1. Reusable Cloth Shopping Bags
Reusable cloth shopping bags are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic bags, which are a major source of litter and pollution in the environment. Here are some statistics that demonstrate the benefits of reusable cloth shopping bags:
- Reduced plastic bag use: The adoption of reusable shopping bags has led to a significant reduction in the use of single-use plastic bags. According to a study, the introduction of a plastic bag ban in the UAE resulted in an 80% drop in plastic bag use in 2023.
- Reduced waste: Reusable shopping bags can be used hundreds of times, reducing the amount of waste generated by single-use plastic bags. According to the CEO Middle East, people use 11 billion plastic bags each year, and only 1% of these bags are recycled. The rest end up in landfills, oceans, and other parts of the environment.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The production and transportation of plastic bags contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. On the other hand, reusable shopping bags can be made from sustainable materials such as cotton or recycled plastic and can be used many times, reducing the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of bags.
- Cost savings: While reusable shopping bags may cost more upfront than single-use plastic bags, they can save consumers money in the long run.
In essence, the adoption of reusable cloth shopping bags is a simple and effective way to reduce plastic waste and improve the environment. By using reusable bags, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint, save money, and help protect the planet for future generations.
2. Stainless Steel Or Glass Water Bottles
These reusable water bottles reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles, which contributes to the plastic waste crisis. They also help reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of plastic bottles.
The use of stainless steel or glass water bottles is a simple and effective way to promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste. By making a conscious choice to use these durable and safe alternatives, individuals can make a positive impact on the environment and help protect the planet for future generations.
3. Reusable Straws Made Of Bamboo, Silicone, Or Stainless Steel
Plastic straws are a major source of plastic pollution, and reusable straws offer an eco-friendly alternative. They can be used over and over again, reducing the need for single-use plastic straws.
The use of reusable straws made of bamboo, silicone, or stainless steel is an important step toward sustainability for several reasons. It helps reduce the amount of plastic waste generated by single-use plastic straws.
Across the globe, it is estimated that over 8.3 billion plastic straws are used every day, which adds up to a staggering amount of waste. By switching to reusable straws, individuals can significantly reduce their environmental impact and help protect the planet.
Reusable straws are also a more durable and long lasting alternative to single-use plastic straws. They can be used repeatedly and are less likely to break or wear down quickly, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Additionally, reusable straws can be made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, which is a fast-growing and renewable resource, or stainless steel, which is recyclable and has a long lifespan. By choosing reusable straws made of eco-friendly materials, individuals can make a positive impact on the environment and help promote sustainability.
4. Beeswax Wraps For Food Storage Instead Of Plastic Wrap
Beeswax wraps are a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap. They are made from cotton fabric and coated in beeswax and can be used to wrap food, cover bowls, and more. They are reusable and can be washed and reused many times. The world is actively moving towards these wraps – much like reusable straws.
5. Compostable Toothbrushes Made From Bamboo Or Other Natural Materials
Traditional toothbrushes are made of plastic and can take hundreds of years to decompose. Compostable toothbrushes made from bamboo or other natural materials can be composted after use, reducing the amount of plastic waste in landfills.
6. Reusable Silicone or Glass Food Storage Bags
These reusable bags can replace single-use plastic bags for food storage, reducing plastic waste and the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of plastic bags.
7. Stainless Steel Lunch Containers
Using stainless steel lunch containers can help reduce the amount of plastic waste generated from disposable plastic containers.
8. Biodegradable Cleaning Products & Sponges
Biodegradable cleaning products and sponges can replace traditional cleaning products, which often contain harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and human health. These sponges and cleaning products (detergents, dish soaps, and all-purpose cleaners) break down easily in the environment and do not release harmful chemicals.
Many biodegradable cleaning products and sponges are available in the market today that can help reduce waste and promote sustainability. Some examples of biodegradable cleaning product brands include
- Method,
- Seventh Generation, and
- Ecover.
On the other hand, examples of biodegradable sponge brands include
- Twist and
- Full Circle
9. Reusable Cloth Napkins Instead Of Paper Ones
Cloth napkins can replace paper napkins, reducing paper waste and the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of paper napkins.
10. Reusable Coffee Cups Made From Bamboo, Silicone, Or Stainless Steel
Disposable coffee cups are a major source of waste and pollution, and reusable coffee cups offer an eco-friendly alternative. Unilever is actively looking to replace its straws, disposable cups, and packaging associated with its products with greener, more sustainable cups for its products.
11. Shampoo & Conditioner Bars That Eliminate The Need For Plastic Bottles
Shampoo and conditioner bars can replace traditional bottled products, reducing plastic waste and the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of plastic bottles. Some examples available in the UAE include:
- Ethique: Ethique is a brand specializing in zero-waste products, including shampoo bars. Their bars are made with natural and organic ingredients and come in compostable packaging.
- HiBAR: HiBAR offers shampoo bars formulated without sulfates, parabens, and silicones. Their bars come in compostable packaging and are designed to last as long as two to three bottles of liquid shampoo.
- Plaine Products: Plaine Products offers shampoo bars that are sulfate-free, paraben-free, and vegan. Their bars come in compostable packaging, and customers can return their used bars to the company for recycling.
12. Laundry Detergent Sheets That Come In A Compostable Packaging
Laundry detergent sheets can replace traditional liquid or powder laundry detergents, reducing plastic waste and the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of these products. Here are some examples of laundry detergent sheets that come in compostable packaging:
- Tru Earth: Tru Earth offers laundry detergent sheets in compostable packaging made of paper and cardboard. Their sheets are hypoallergenic, vegan, and free from parabens, phosphates, and chlorine bleach.
- Blueland: Blueland offers laundry detergent sheets in compostable packaging made of paper and cardboard. Their sheets are designed to dissolve quickly in water and are free from parabens, phosphates, and chlorine bleach.
- Meliora: Meliora offers laundry detergent sheets that come in compostable packaging made of paper and cellulose. Their sheets are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from synthetic fragrances and preservatives.
13. Toothpaste Tablets That Eliminate The Need For Plastic Toothpaste Tubes
Toothpaste tablets can replace traditional toothpaste tubes, reducing plastic waste and the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of toothpaste tubes.
Here are some examples of toothpaste tablets available in the UAE:
- The Humble Co. The Humble Co. offers toothpaste tablets that come in a compostable pouch. Their tablets are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from fluoride, SLS, and artificial colors.
- Georganics: Georganics offers toothpaste tablets in a glass jar with an aluminum lid. Their tablets are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from fluoride, SLS, and glycerin.
- Denttabs: Denttabs offers toothpaste tablets in a recyclable paper bag. Their tablets are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from fluoride, SLS, and microplastics.
- Chewtab: Chewtab offers toothpaste tablets in a recyclable paper bag. Their tablets are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from fluoride, SLS, and artificial sweeteners.
Final Words
In conclusion, sustainability is an important aspect of modern life that requires conscious effort from individuals and businesses alike. The use of sustainable products, such as reusable cloth shopping bags, stainless steel or glass water bottles, and reusable straws made of bamboo, silicone, or stainless steel, can help reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment.
By taking small steps towards sustainability, we can create a better future for ourselves and future generations while also enjoying the benefits of a cleaner, healthier planet. It is important for everyone to be aware of the impact of their actions on the environment and to make conscious choices that support sustainability.
RECAPP is a recycling company in the UAE dedicated to creating a better environment for individuals and companies alike. For individuals, we offer a free of charge digital recycling solution where we collect recyclables at your doorstep. For businesses, we help you deploy recycling bins and manage collections with minimal effort on your part.
Together, we can work towards a more sustainable future and create a better world for ourselves and the generations to come. Let us help you recycle more efficiently and move towards a more sustainable zero-waste world!